County Clipboard: Cunningham named to U.S. bobsled team

Nick Cunningham was named to the United States National bobsled team, where he will pilot USA-2.

Cunningham, a pusher in the 2010 Winter Olympics USA-3's four-man and two-man bobsled teams, will compete in eight World Cup events leading up to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

An Army World Class Program Soldier-Athlete, Cunningham was a sprinter in track at Monterey High and Boise St. before taking up bobsledding five years ago.

Cunningham solidified his spot on the national team after finishing second to USA-1 pilot Steven Holcomb in all four selection races. He also played football at Monterey and MPC.

Tamagni a force at the net

Helping ignite a historic run for the Cal Lutheran volleyball team has been former Notre Dame High middle blocker Hayley Tamagni.

The 5-foot-11 senior leads the 26-1 Regals in blocks this fall with 71. Tamagni is one of five players to start all 27 matches, compiling 173 kills and 16 service aces.

Earlier this year Tamagni was named the Most Valuable Player at the Emory Invitational and was the conference's Player of the Week. She has also been named Cal Lutheran's Athlete of the Week twice this year.

The reigning four-time Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions are undefeated at home this fall and currently ranked No. 3 in the nation in Division III. The Regals have won 19 straight matches.

Tamagni's marks this fall are all career highs, succeeded her totals from her first three years combined at Cal Lutheran.

Demon on defense

Former Greenfield High 1,000-yard running back Daniel Breaux has become a demon on defense for the Southern Oregon University football team.

The 6-foot-3, 243-pound defensive end/linebacker is among the team leaders in tackles for losses (8.5) and sacks for the Raiders. Breaux also has one forced fumble and two pass breakups.

A two-year starter for Southern Oregon, Breaux is also the senator for student athletics. Breaux ran for over 1,000 yards in both his junior and senior years at Greenfield and was an All-County defensive lineman in 2009.

Fales flinging passes

Senior quarterback David Fales has thrown for 2,425 yards and 17 touchdowns in San Jose State's first seven games this fall.

Fales, who prepped at Palma and spent two seasons at Monterey Peninsula College, is completing 61.5 percent of his passes. He also rushed for his first touchdown two weeks ago.

Twice the 6-foot-3 Fales has been named the Manning Star of the Week for his performances.

Last fall Fales elevated his draft stock after setting new San Jose State passing records for yards (4,192) and touchdowns (33) in 13 games.

City of Monterey

The City of Monterey will put on a Youth Boys Basketball League for grades 3rd-through-8th from Dec. 4-Feb. 26. Fee is $93. In addition, a girls basketball league for grades 3rd-6th will begin on Dec. 3 and run through Feb. 25. Register at the Monterey Sports Center or call 646-3730.

Winter Hoops League

The Salinas Recreations Department is taking registration for a Winter Hoops Basketball League for ages 12-14 and 15-18 until Dec. 5. Fee is $51 for resident, $58 for non-residents. Call 758-7413 or register as the Salinas Recreation Department.

Officials needed

Officials are needed for the winter season for high school basketball, soccer and wrestling. Training is provided. Call 375-3301 or see mark@psirefs.com.